Tuesday, December 05, 2006

JoyI subscribe to a weekly "inspiration" from some friends of a friend (Cafe Sophia) and particularly liked this week's:

Luke 2:10&14 "I bring you good news of great joy for all people ... peace to all people of good will."

In this season that inspires joy, giving, and good will, I wanted to write this simple Christmas java for your consideration. I hope you will take some time to interact with the following questions. Think about them, find some real answers, and engage your mind.

If you could receive only one gift for Christmas what would you want?(You can't use "peace on earth".)

Consider 3 top gifts you could give that would cost you time and creativity rather than money?

If you could invite 5 people to a Christmas celebration, who would they be and what would you do at that get-together? (These should be people you actually know who are still living.)

If you could do one thing to make a simple, meaningful difference in someone else's life (not a family member) what would it be? Who would be the recipient of that action?

Though the giving of gifts has become a part of our Christmas traditions, remind yourself (that's important) ... remind yourself that true giving goes way beyond things you buy at a store. Don't get lost in the hustle and bustle. This year do something that will make your Christmas truly special: give yourself away. Get together with people you love, give a few gifts that cost you time rather than money, and do at least one simple act of kindness that will open a door of hope, goodwill, and joy in someone else's life. (Please let us know what you actually do.) You may not get the gift on the top of your wish list. You may not know what to buy your wife, children, sister, or friend, but it really doesn't matter. This is Christmas. Don't stress; be of good cheer! Use these few weeks to enjoy the concept of goodwill and give a smile, a card, a kind word, or an act of compassion; then imagine how much better your life would be if you continued to give great gifts of good will the other weeks of the year.